Are you looking to spruce up your backyard or garden? At upcoming community events, you can receive a free shrub or tree through Metrolinx’s Vegetation Management and Tree Compensation Program.

We have partnered with organizations such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Kayanase Greenhouse from Six Nations of the Grand River for these seasonal giveaways, and to help plant more trees as we make progress on construction.

As we carry out the largest transit expansion in the region’s history, our goal is always to minimize the number of trees impacted by construction, and to plant more trees than are removed.

Investing in the tree canopy

Since 2022, we have given over 3,000 trees and plants through community events, and there are upcoming giveaways scheduled for this fall across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Red oak, hackberry, pin oaks, hazelnut and spicebush are among the native species of trees that have been given away to local residents. Grey dogwood, nannyberry and ninebarks shrubs have also been included in our community giveaways. To help improve the health of local ecosystems, we only provide native and pollinator species through this program.

Representatives from the TRCA attend our giveaways and are available to help residents select the type of tree or bush that is best suited for their yards and gardens. Whether you live in wet or dry conditions or in a location with full shade, they will assist you with finding the best option for you!

Upcoming giveaways

Our tree giveaways take place within neighbourhoods along our transit lines that can accommodate space for large trees and bushes.

These events are open to the public. However, to ensure everyone who attends the giveaway receives an item, we have a limit of two trees or shrubs per person.

Be sure to check out our upcoming giveaways in the community:

• Eglinton Crosstown West Extension event - Sunday, Sept. 29 from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. at Silvercreek Park, 44 Strathdee Dr, Etobicoke
• Please note that there is a limit of two plants per household

To read more about Metrolinx’s vegetation and tree compensation program, please visit our Vegetation Management and Tree Compensation Program page.